Sheriff: 2 assault officers in Vernon escape attempt

Two Vernon Parish Jail inmates assaulted jailers Tuesday night in an attempt to escape, according to Sheriff Sam Craft.

Around 8:40 p.m., personnel went to a solitary confinement cell to "administer routine medical assistance," according to a release.

The two inmates in the cell - 24-year-old Jose Ayala III and 26-year-old Joshua Griffin, both of Leesville - hit the jailer several times before Ayala ran to the jail's front office. Meanwhile, the jailer and Griffin continued to struggle inside the cell.

Ayala allegedly attacked a second jailer, who was in the front office, according to the release.

"An intense fight ensued, after which the jailers were able to contain the situation and force the two inmates back into their cell," reads the release.

The office's administrators and detectives were contacted to start an investigation. One jailer received minor injuries, while the second sustained moderate injuries, according to the release. Both were released from a local hospital after treatment.

Both Ayala and Griffin were being held on murder and other charges.

Griffin was being held on first-degree murder, simple robbery and conspiracy charges in connection to the April 13 stabbing of a Rosepine man, Jason Perry.

Ayala was charged in early July with second-degree murder in the disappearance of Rosepine resident James Stephens.

Both men were arrested again and each were charged with one count of attempted aggravated escape and one count of the introduction of contraband into a correctional facility.

Joshua Griffin(Photo: Courtesy/Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office)

Griffin also was charged with one count of battery of a correctional facility officer, while Ayala also was charged with two counts of battery of a correctional facility officer.